The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has a number of concerns in regards to the DOLI regulations when it comes to the Heat Illness Prevention and its impacts on businesses.

Many of the changes that are being proposed are common sense and are in practice by many, if not all businesses that are operating in Virginia. Things like providing water and air flow ventilation, cooldown/rest periods among others are already being implemented by businesses.

These proposed regulations will also hurt not only the businesses, but the customers they serve and their employees. Forcing and requiring 15 minute break each hour will hurt business’ bottom line, impact the employee’s ability to complete the job and only raise the cost of labor for the customer. Asking for employees to divulge their personal health information also goes against their ability to keep that information private and personal.

Due to the concerns listed above, and a multitude of other concerns, we ask that this either be set aside for further consideration or opposed all together.